PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ramsey Nijem (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jim Mcilhagga (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mcilhagga has chosen Flogging Molly - 7 Deadly Sins as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Nijem
vs
Mcilhagga

180 cm
25
178 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
21
170 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ramsey Nijem!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jim Mcilhagga!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nijem is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Mcilhagga's half guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Mcilhagga is trying to maintain the position but Nijem is very close to passing his half guard.

Nijem looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Nijem throwing shots but Mcilhagga is blocking nicely.
Mcilhagga regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Nijem.
Mcilhagga wants to sweep here but Nijem controlling him for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mcilhagga being controlled here, momentarily.
Nijem throws a big right hand that misses.
Nijem pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mcilhagga is keeping the position for now.

Nijem drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Mcilhagga manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Nijem has Mcilhagga in his guard.
Nijem has his hands on Mcilhagga's head, controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Ramsey Nijem wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Mcilhagga tries to clinch up.

Nijem decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nijem seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Mcilhagga is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Nijem's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Nijem's back!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nijem is trying to get back to his feet but Mcilhagga has full control of the position and if anything, Nijem has just worked his way into a worse spot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mcilhagga is controlling the position but Nijem somehow manages to roll and ends up with half guard.
Mcilhagga is looking to stall here but Nijem recovers full guard.
Nijem lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Mcilhagga!
Mcilhagga is really trying hard to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Nijem looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Nijem postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Mcilhagga looks a forlorn figure.
A nice elbow there by Nijem.
Nijem is in the full mount, landing strikes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nijem connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Mcilhagga takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

Mcilhagga is rocked!
Nijem unloads with some vicious shots from mount and Mcilhagga wants out - he looks towards the referee who steps in to save him! Nijem celebrates on the cage and the crowd goes wild!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ramsey Nijem!